The complex could easily be mistaken for a fairly average rural neighborhood on the outskirts of Detroit.

In all, it was the size of a city block. A parking lot, never properly utilized for its purpose, was at the center of the complex. Multiple nondescript buildings enclosed the overgrown open space that took up the middle of the block. Some were dilapidated and abandoned, though all were habitable to some extent. The larger buildings were turned into workout areas. Exercise equipment was not contained to them though, and spilled out onto the concrete of the parking lot and exposed to the elements. 

The smaller buildings had been transformed into changing rooms or social spaces. The more 'open air' structures were designed to offer VIP views of the ring, which was the focal point of the whole arrangement. 

In the center of the parking lot, dimly lit by street lights and sharing its stage with dry shrubs and weeds, was a makeshift fighting ring. Its appearance echoed back to the one that Jack had set up at the end of Race Street Pier, way back when they were testing the boxing concept. That seemed like a lifetime ago, now. 

The Fields of Asphodel was an apt name for the latest addition to the line up of gyms. A place known by the ancient Greeks which was a plane of existence for those who had passed, of whose fate was uncertain. A sister gym to Limbo, in that sense. 

Mezzo walked around the complex, through the alleys between the buildings and across the wide open space that was to accommodate standing room only. The setup fit in well with his theme, plus it wouldn't attract any unwanted attention as most of the activity was confined within the protection of the outer buildings. 

He looked over the arena, pleased that Detroit now had a home for boxing.

 I had heard about another gym somewhere, where was it? Philly? Maybe.. eh, I forget, Jack someone owned this one. Was he the guy doing the fights for that other gym, taking bets and the whole thing? Maybe. Well, surely there wasn't one here in DET, yet, so this maybe  good idea...interesting name, not sure what it means, but I wanna take a look around. 

Looks like a boxing ring.. seems some money will be made here.. for Jack. The workout area is outside, DET is a 4 season area, that won't be good for the people or the equipment, am I seeing it right, equipment is outside? I wonder if they will have people here to use the facility that are not boxers.. to keep in shape..I hear you can do similiar things. Where is this Jack guy? I cannot recall if I have met him before, but he sure would have the information.

It seemed like an eternity ago they started the Seven Deadly Cities tournament. Jack now stood in the hushed parking lot somewhere on the outside of Detroit, illuminated only by nearby street lights. Around him, the wide open space was filling up. Cut away second floor buildings overlooking the arena were the allocated VIP sections. They had been reserved for individuals like Godmother Marie_Lucania and Godfather Coltrane, gym owners and avid ambassadors for the tournament since its conception. His own Godfather Spaceman was occupying one of the makeshift 'booths', which was a roofless apartment, lavishly decorated yet heated by burning barrels.

Others that had put in effort for Mezzo were present, William_Bowden, Joe Adonis and Isabella-Luciano had been allocated one of the social spaces, bars that had been built into the exposed dilapidated buildings, and were expected to arrive soon. Another floor had been populated by the previous contenders to the tournament. Heston and NicodemoMangana, the other two semi-finalists had been expressly invited. As had Draven, Artie_Bucco and Space-pole. 

Around him, the rest of the space gradually occupied. Fields of Asphodel wasn't the most luxurious venue for the final, however it was ninety percent standing room only, so could accommodate the largest crowd. It was also centrally located, so was easily accessed. The aging mobster allowed the stream of spectators to continue, before making a loud, clear announcement.

"Ladies and gentlemen. After over a month of action, 20 fights and hundreds of millions of dollars in bets, we have reached the final act. It all comes down to this, two fighters, two cities.

"I fully understand the foolish ambition behind bringing you this event, at any moment it all could have gone up in smoke and flames. However it didn't, and this is a testament to the peace we have achieved and to those in power who work relentlessly to maintain it. I appreciated this much from our leadership group across all seven cities.

"I'd also like to take the opportunity to thank all of our previous fighters, sponsors and punters who have supported in generating interest and kept this event alive."

He allowed for a pause.

"Now, it's time to bring you our last rumble for the Seven Deadly Cities tournament. It gives me the greatest pleasure to introduce to you two fighters that have fought tooth and nail to be here tonight. As a man who has seen every fight, strategy and brutal beating, I could not pick a winner myself tonight.

"So, fighting for the final time in this event and for their share of the $100,000,000 prize pot, please join me in welcoming to the ring our fighters."

There is an applause, the sound fades to an echo and Jack speaks again.

"Iiiiiiiiiiin the blue trunks, from South Side, Chicago and fighting for the title of Deadly Cities champion, give it up for the man, the ranger, the legend. It's Jason...Lee...SCOOOOOOOOOOOOTTTTTT!!!!"

Jack observes JasonLeeScott making his way to the ring.

"And meeting him in the ring tonight for five rounds of fury, the girl that has taken this even by storm, surpassing expectations and carving her own path to the top. From the west coast in Pasadena, Los Angeles, it's the LA Angel Eeeeeeleonora Lllllucianoooooooo!!!"

Mezzo takes his leave as Eleonora_Luciano joins Jason in the ring.

This was it.

This tournament simply got curioser and curioser...  Never in a million years would she have thought that she would make it as far as she had in this tournament.  Heck she hadn't been sure that she would have even made it through all her initial fights.  Running to her sister in tears seemed a more likely option.  But she hadn't.  In fact she had found something that she had a natural knack for.  This was mildly terrifying to the tiny Luciano, but like an avenging angel, she could fight with the best of them.

It truly was fortunate that she hadn't had need to discover this in the past, but it was interesting to know now.  She wouldn't have avoided this road for the world knowing what she knew now.  She had met so many neat people, cemented relationships with others, discovered so much both inward and out. 

Tonight was it.  The final. The climax.  By the finish of it, the end.  She trembled just a little at the finality of it, but she would pull herself together.  "Just do your best Ellie." She murmured softly to herself before perking up at the call of her name.  It was time.

She looked up and smiled as she strode out from the recesses and into the arena.  She was absolutely a sight to behold.  Again she had donned her wings, but there was no surprise this time.  Spread wide, glitter giving an unearthly sheen to them.  She had added a small amount of glitter over her face and hair to give her a bit more of a striking appearance, at least in her own mind.  Stepping out to the roaring applause of the crowd, she smiled as she acknowledged the crowd in her own quiet manner.  Slipping out of her wing contraption she would get ready for her fight.  She casted a smile in Jason's direction and waved playfully to him.  Oh yes, they were ready.

Artie took his seat near the ringside. He was immensely proud to have been part of this tournament. The fighters he had met were people he had never come across or spoken to before and he felt he could pass the time of day with them if he bumped into them in the street now. It had also awoken something inside that made him passionate to do something similar for his friends and family back in Seattle. 

He figured this could go either way, he hoped on one way but either fighter would be a worthy winner of the tournament. 

He took to his feet to applaud the fighters into the ring. 

Somehow it was fitting this would all end here, in Detroit.  Elie was in her Father's backyard for this fight and Bella was sure that Salvatore_Luciano and Marie_Lucania were sure to have the best seats in the damn house.

Isabella had arrived early, dressed in a black suit, all business tonight.  Her kid sister was about to leave the whole world wondering 'how the hell did THAT just happen!"  And she wanted to look the perfect image of utter confidence.  Of course, Elie was going to win, she was a fucking Luciano ...was there really ever any doubt!?!

Finding her seat she glanced at the reserved ones to either side of her - seats for William_Bowden, her business partner in this whole crazy venture and seats for GavinAndTaraByrne too.  She didn't know if any of them would make it, but she'd gotten them good seats just in case.  The show as about to begin, Bella stood and clapped for both boxers as they were announced and entered the ring.

Nicky came to the event very well dressed, in a very well-aligned gray suit. That was an event that he would not allow himself to miss. The great final of the Seven Deadly Cities tournament! A tournament in which Nicky participated and awarded the 3rd place.

He still had some scratches from the fights, which he didnt bother to hide. He just made his way to the designated place for the participants, greeting everyone on the way.

Nicky got a drink at the bar and waited for the beginning of the fight, talking with the friends who had also come to honor the event.

The end of the tournament was set to be just as wild and exciting as every step of the way and then some. It was event that you'd have to be crazy to miss. William cleared his schedule and booked the flight as soon as the details were set.

The ring was a huge contrast to the others he'd visited with its Spartan appearance, but somehow it was fitting. Nothing was going to take focus from what was truly at the heart of this: the fighters. 

JasonLeeScott and Eleonora_Luciano had each faced the ups and downs of this tournament and come out against all odds. Both had overcome competitors in fights which seemed stacked against them and while they'd faced each other once before, both had surely picked up a couple new tricks since then.

Will smiled and gave a wave to Isabella as he made his way the bar that had been fitted rather conspicuously into the old structure, ordering a scotch to sooth the jitters of waiting for the match to start.

Jason walked to the ring with a new found confidence after all his preparation and training he felt confidant especially after already taking down Nico in a fight that a lot didn’t think he could win, but here he was in the finals. He got in the ring to bow respectfully to JackMezzo, the audience and finally turned to Eleonora_Luciano bowing before their “dance” in the finals he went to touch gloves with her.

”Well here we are ready for our little dance angel? Any chance you’re as nervous as I am?” 

Ellie did tremble as she approached the center to touch gloves respectfully with her opponent.  His words made her grin and she dipped her head in her normal quiet reverence for their fight and this place.  Oh heck yes she was nervous but she wasn't telling him that.  But she knew he'd know.  The way her eyes glittered spoke of her overwhelming excitement.  They were going to give them a show worth every moment.

DING-DING-DING.

This was it, the beginning of the end. The crowds had descended on Detroit's new Gym, though the complex itself was more of a re-purposed abandoned neighborhood. The majority of the spectators were gathered in the parking lot, the focal point, while the significant faces of the tournament were high up in partially collapsed, though structurally sound, apartment blocks.

Under the lights of the parking lot, the two fighters met. 

Feeling light and mobile after discarding her ceremonial wings, Eleonora_Luciano hopped back and forth over the canvas. Her gloves held high and eyes piercing over the top of her guard, studying her opponent. That was of course JasonLeeScott. Powerhouse fighter who had a score to settle against the LA Angel. 

The round opened slow, a pair of cautious, perhaps nervous fighters circling each other. It was Scott that struck first, daring to break the focus they found themselves comfortable in. After some encouragement from the crowd, he began to pepper the smaller fighters block. Luciano was not phased by the attempts however, moving swiftly or allowing the shots to rebound from her gloves.

The anticipation in the air was intense. Every motion Scott made to make an attempt on Little Luciano opened him up to a potential counter attack. He made a reach for her once more, tapping with a jab then following with a right.

Elle saw it coming. She weaved, failing to allow purchase for Scott's right and threw her own hook. Blocked, easily. Scott managed to maintain his balance and the round continued. There were no further attempts however, only testing jabs, attempting to bail each other.

The bell ended it and two potentially anxious and tense fighters returned to their corner. 

She studied Jason this round, keeping up her well practiced and almost natural defense.  She weaved and moved with all the grace and possessed as the very air around them seemed to vibrate with tension.  They moved around, seeking an opening but neither really going for it.  Both baiting but the round ended with no serious damage.  Smart players the both of them, this fight would be curious.  The dance was far from over.

Ellie returned to her corner to await the next round.

Marie stood near the edge of the floor of the open second-floor looking down on the ring.  Normally the Godmother wore dresses for such a gathering, but today she wore beige trousers, a white button up blouse, red suspenders, and a beige straw hat.  It paired well with the ambiance of this gym.  It was easy to see the excitement on her face as she watched and cheered for Jason and occasionally turned her head to speak to her husband.  

From a bar that had been built into one of the exposed dilapidated buildings, Adonis roared his support for the fight in general. He was enjoying the final fight with other Midas employees and had arrived slightly late. Never mind, the drinks were flowing and the buzz of the large Colosseum ruins styled arena had him more lively than usual.

Jason walked back to his corner and was happy that he didn’t lose the first round for once especially taking into account it felt like Ellie never lost a first round while Jason’s first round percentage was incredibly low. Walking back to his corner he took some water and prepared for the next round he took some water and kept moving.

Artie joined in with the applause for the pair after the first round. The crowd seems very appreciative of the efforts and it was easy to get caught up in the atmosphere. 

He had found some Lagavulin at the bar and was sitting drinking one in between rounds. The waitress from the bar would be bringing him one in between each round, here was hoping it would last the distance. 

As Ellie and Jason stood up for the start of the next, Artie stood and cheered them both on. 

DING-DING-DING

The bell drew the fighters to their stances once more. A breeze rolled by, likely a welcome relief for the pair who were now moving briskly once more. 

The first half of the round was rife with hesitation and feigned attacks. JasonLeeScott was the more active of the pair, concerning himself with keeping a fair distance between himself and the wary approach of Luciano. He attempted to open her up, darting from one side to the other and looking for a shift in her balance that might present opportunity. Eleonora_Luciano was focused and stoic though, she continued her gradual pursuit of the man in blue without distraction.

The crowd became restless, the initial roar of support had faded down, and now only echoes of lone cries for blood could be heard in the parking lot.

It was Luciano that picked up the pace, her movements becoming less predictable and no longer manipulated by Scott's hesitations. She herself then feigned a side step, though hopped the opposite way. Scott's reactions were tested and the first contact of the match came as Little Luciano delivered a sharp straight toward her man. Jason deflected it, with some ease, however the tension of the fight made every passing second feel like an eternity.

The West coast girl would hound Scott for a further few minutes, jabbing and probing. The bell rang and the pair returned.

So far, a single hit hasn't landed. Both fighters appear to be a bag of nerves, or comfortably waiting for the other to make the first move. The next round would soon be on them.

Once again Jason walked back to his corner quite light on his feet feeling good as he had not a blow landed on him yet by the LA knockout machine he took a swig and talked to himself a bit while moving in place keeping his circulation going and prepared for round 3.

Ellie was fairly nervous.  Neither one of them had made any headway and yet at the same time they were both not doing well.  Which would blink first as they carefully built this tinderbox.  Jason's smile was met with one of her own, bright and glittering from the glitzy sky blue girl.  But there was something else dancing there too...  That well kindled competitive spirit.  It was anyone's guess as to how this would go.

Feeling the excitement and anticipation build within her, she laughed as she began to tremble.  It was strange reaction indeed.  She was not, by nature, a fan of this sport; however, she was as stout a competitor as there was.  Her champion was fighting.  Fighting for himself, fighting for her, and fighting for their city.  Pride welled up inside of her and before she knew it she was cheering as loudly as anyone else.